Experts in the News

Rising populations and growing wealth have coupled with low domestic prices to propel huge increases in energy consumption within the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. The trend of large and continuing increases in demand threatens assumptions about the sustainability of the region’s oil exports. Politically difficult reforms that moderate consumption can extend the longevity of exports, and perhaps the regimes themselves, according to a new article by Jim Krane, Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies.

Kenneth Medlock, the James A. Baker III and Susan Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics, comments on how the cost of oil impacts international food prices.

Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto visited China despite high tension regarding Mexico's cancelation of China's contract to build a high-speed rail line. Tony Payan, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and director of the Mexico Center, explains why Peña Nieto should have canceled his trip.

Mark Jones, fellow in political science, is quoted about Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos' appointment as the new Texas secretary of state.

The Baker Institute and the Episcopal Health Foundation released a new report analysis of more than 100 health insurance plans across Texas. Elena Marks, nonresident fellow in health policy, is quoted about the report.